Carl's Story 15: Job Corps

We talked to Carl about options. There were different things he could do. He could get a job and they would help him with rent, for instance. When we talked about that his eyes filled with panic.

We took him to Job Corps. He went back and forth. Initially he liked it. He thought he could go there. Other days he said he didn't think he wanted to go. I told him he didn't have to. "Just come up with a plan, any plan, and we will do everything we can to help you make it happen." He would deflate.

In the end of course we took him to Job Corps. He went. He liked it more than he thought he would, although he did choose the shortest possible program. He came home at least every other weekend and for all of Christmas break. He made friends. It turned out that there were quite a few out gay guys there. Oh he complained, but it really seemed to be the best place for him.

Job Corps is free. It is so free, they give you clothes and an allowance. There are dorms and a cafeteria. They had to get up early, make their beds, and do chores. It really seemed like the best place for Carl and I really hoped that he would stay until he was ready for adulthood.
Part 16